Medical/dental suction nozzle holster having a hose pinching device

ABSTRACT

A suction nozzle holster whose upper rim is provided with a notch into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict the hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle.

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/051,649 filed Feb. 4, 2005 entitled“Medical/Dental Suction Nozzle Holster.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally concerned with holsters for the nozzlecomponents of medical/dental suction devices such as so-called Yankauersuction tubes. The use of Applicant's holsters serves to maintainaseptic conditions and convenient human hand access to such suctiondevices during medical/dental procedures. This invention is alsoparticularly concerned with providing a means whereby a hose thatservices suction devices of this type can be pinched off (constricted)to such an extent that the partial vacuum conditions that exist in thehose during medical/dental procedures are substantially curtailed oreven completely shut off.

2. Discussion of the Background

A wide variety of prior art medical suction nozzle holsters aredisclosed in the patent literature. Such holsters have many differentfeatures that perform various distinct technical functions as well asvarious convenience-in-use functions. These convenience-in-use functionsoften involve the methods and mechanical devices used to temporarilyattach such nozzle holsters to a bedrail or operating table rail forease and/or convenience of use during medical/dental procedures whereinthe medical/dental practitioner's attention is often urgently directedaway from such holsters. None of these prior art medical suction nozzleholsters, however, provide a device and/or method for readilycurtailing, shutting off, etc. those partial vacuum conditions extant ina flexible hose that leads from the suction device (e.g., a Yankauersuction tube) to a waste fluid disposal container.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,110 B1 (“the '110 patent”) teaches aholster for an electrocautery tip. The holster is attached to anoperating table, Mayo instrument table, etc. by a temporary attachmentmeans such as a spring-loaded, wide-base C-clamp (see FIGS. 4 a and 4 b)or a releasable clip (see FIG. 4). Since the outwardly-extending memberis integral and unitary with the receptacle, there is no way to rotatethe receptacle with respect to the outwardly-extending member. Nosuction hose pinching device is disclosed in this '110 patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,286 (“the '286 patent”) discloses a cleaning andstorage device for an aspirator instrument such as a Yankauer suctiontube. The device has a holder that can be attached to a bedrail byopposing adhesive surfaces or by a C-shaped clamp. Here again, nosuction hose pinching apparatus is disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,822 (“the '822 patent”) discloses a wall mountedholder for a Yankauer suction instrument. The holder has a base and twospaced supports respectively extending substantially horizontally fromthe upper end of the vertically mounted base and from the lower end ofsaid base. The upper support may comprise, for example, a continuous rimthat forms an annular ring that defines an opening for receiving theforward end of the suction instrument and thereby preventing it fromtipping laterally. The lower support preferably has two spaced supportarms that define a substantially horizontal slot. In effect an upper endof the suction device resides in the ring while the handle portion ofthe suction device rests on the support arms above the slot while asuction hose portion of the suction device extends through thehorizontal slot defined by the two spaced apart support arms. No hosepinching device is taught or suggested.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,074 (“the '074 patent”) discloses a sleeve-typeholder for a suction device such as a Yankauer suction tube. One end ofa sleeve component of this holder is provided with a frame that can beslidably mounted to a C-shaped frame track having a compatible C-shapedchannel configuration. The opposing end of the sleeve is provided with ahole for receiving a hook of a body member bar. The body member bar isattached to a clamp that attaches the bar, frame and sleeve assembly toa bedrail. Thus, the sleeve that holds the suction tube can not berotated once the frame is inserted into the channel portion of theC-shaped frame track. No hose pinching apparatus is disclosed.

The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,974 (“the '974 patent”) are quitesimilar to those of the '074 patent. It does, however, contain the addedfeature (see FIGS. 10 and 11) of providing the frame with a dovetailside that is inserted into a dovetail track (i.e., dovetail-shapedchannel). Such an arrangement does not permit rotation of the sleevewith respect to the dovetail tracks channel portion. No hose clamping orconstricting device is taught or suggested.

The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,963 (“the '963 patent”) are similarto those of the '974 patent. The main difference between these twopatent references is depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 of the '963 patent.They show a frame-like member hingedly mounted to a mounting plate. Thisplate is fixedly mounted to a clamp that is, in turn, slidably mountedto a bedrail or similar bar-like object. This construction does notpermit vertical rotation of the sleeve to any alternative position ororientation. Nor does this apparatus provide for pinching off a hoseleading from a suction device to a waste disposal unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,679 (tithe '679 patent) teaches a holster for ahand-held instrument such as an intake nozzle of an operating roomsuction device. The '679 patent suggests several ways the holster may beattached to an operating table (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). These waysinclude: (a) blade-like inserts for placement between table tops andcushions, alligator clamps and C-clamps having hand operabletightening/loosening bolts. This holster is adapted to hold a bubblewrap in which the suction device was originally packaged. The suctiontip is holstered in this original package during use. The nozzle holsteralso is adapted to secure the bubble wrap to the inside of the holster.After the operation is over, the wrapper and nozzle are disposed of anda new nozzle-containing wrapper (e.g., clear plastic bag) is put in theholster. Here again, no hose pinching apparatus is taught or suggested.

It might also be noted that not only do these prior art devices fail toprovide a convenient means of curtailing the suction conditions in theirrespective suction tubes, none of them allow for variation in thevertical orientation of the handle of the suction nozzles held in suchholsters. The hereinafter described medical/dental suction nozzleholsters of this patent disclosure not only provide a means forcurtailing suction conditions in a suction tube, they also address theneed for variation in the vertical orientation of a nozzle handle. Theydo this by providing three separate and distinct vertical orientationsfor the holster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The medical/dental suction nozzle holster devices of this patentdisclosure are particularly characterized by the fact that they have atleast one vertical constriction such as a Y-shaped notch or V-shapednotch in the upper rim of their holster component. The top of a givennotch will be wide enough (e.g., from about 0.5 to about 2.0 inches) toaccept the outside diameter of commonly available suction hoses and thengenerally get progressively more narrow as they descend downward in thebody of a holster. In effect, such a notch will provide a generallyY-shaped or V-shaped configuration that progressively becomes more andmore narrow or constricted in its lower regions. That is to say that theupper regions of these notches should readily admit the outside diameterof such hoses while the lower regions of said notches will beconstricted to a degree that the inside diameter region of a flexibleand compressible hose will be substantially pinched together as the hoseis forced downward in the notch and thereby curtail air/fluid flowthrough the hose. Generally speaking, the vertical depth of the notchgenerally should not exceed more than about one fourth of the verticaldepth of the holster body. Notches having vertical depths of from about1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches will generally suffice.

The ability of a medical/dental practitioner to curtail the suctionaction at the holster—as opposed to turning a shut off valve on a vacuumcreating device (aspirator) that is typically located much further awayfrom the patient—has a great deal of convenience-in-use value. That isto say that the notch in the holster enables the practitioner to moreconveniently shut off the suction action while said practitioner'sattention is still directed toward a nearby patient. There also may betimes during the course of an operation that the medical staff need toconverse in a relatively calm, quiet atmosphere. Because suction tubesmake clearly discernable sucking or aspirating sounds that are annoying,distracting and/or not conducive to quiet conversations, it is ofconsiderable advantage to have the ability to temporarily eliminate suchsounds without having to leave the immediate vicinity of the patient toturn a shut off valve at the aspirator device.

Next, it should be noted that Applicants notched holster can be attachedto a convenient anchor point (e.g., an operating table rail, bed rail,stand, wall attachment, etc.) by anchor devices (e.g., c-clamps,alligator clips, set screws, etc.) such as those disclosed in thepreviously discussed prior art patents. However, notched holster devicesthat have three separate and distinct operating positions will providecertain added advantages. For example, each different operating positionwill provide a means for placing the holster device—and hence, themedical/dental suction nozzle that the device holds—in an operatingposition that a medical/dental practitioner may find relatively moreconvenient and/or practical. They can be, for example, more readilyadapted for use by left-handed as well as right-handed practitioners.Moreover, such holster devices can be readily changed back and forthbetween their three possible operating positions without the use of handtools or hand tightening knobs that operate bolts and the like—thatsometimes unexpectedly loosen during use in medical/dental operations.

These three positions are made possible through selective use of twomain components. The first main component is a holster component that inaddition to having at least one notch in its upper rim also have aholster mounting mechanism that further comprises a rear plate having akeyway slot/nub receiver opening system. The second main component is amounting channel component. The mounting channel component provides themeans by which the operating position of the holster component can beinitially selected and/or changed. To these ends, the face side of afront vertical plate of the mounting channel is provided with threeseparate and distinct key plate/key nub systems. Each of these keyplate/key nub system may be readily inserted into (or removed from) thekeyway slot/nub receiver opening system located in the rear plate of theholster mounting mechanism.

For example, insertion of a left key plate/key nub system into thekeyway slot/nub receiver opening system in the rear plate of the holstermounting mechanism causes the holster to be firmly held in a leftwardtilting operating position. Thus, the handle of a suction nozzle placedin the holster also has a leftward tilting orientation. Conversely,insertion of a right key plate/key nub system into the keyway slot/nubreceiver opening system in the rear plate of the holster mountingmechanism causes the holster (and hence the nozzle it holds) to be heldin a rightward tilting operating position. Placement of the center keyplate/key nub system in the rear plate's keyway slot/nub receiveropening system will cause the holster (and nozzle handle) to hang in asubstantially vertical orientation.

Applicants' suction nozzle holster device has various other features ofnote. For example, the mounting channel component further comprises arear vertical plate that is attached to the rear side of the frontvertical plate by means of a horizontal ledge that connects the twovertical plates. This horizontal ledge also serves as the top surface ofa bottom mounting channel region in which a rail (e.g., an operatingtable rail) resides. The rear side of the vertical channel forms oneside wall of the bottom mounting channel region while the front side ofthe rear vertical plate forms the other side wall of the bottom mountingchannel region.

Next, it should be noted that an upper part of the rear vertical plateprojects above the intersection of the horizontal ledge with the rearvertical plate while a lower part of the rear vertical plate projectsbelow the horizontal ledge/rear vertical plate intersection. In effect,the inside surface of the upper part of the rear vertical wall serves asthe front side of the rear vertical plate that forms the other side wallof the bottom mounting channel region. As will be better seen in FIG. 9,the lower part of the rear vertical plate serves as a lever arm used tolower the upper part of the rear vertical plate. To this end, theoutside surface of the lower part of the rear vertical plate can befurther provided with a surface suitable for human thumb/finger contact.For example this surface can be given a roughened surface to preventthumb/finger slippage from this outside surface of the lower part of therear vertical plate. The lower end of the rear vertical plate also canbe provided with a projecting ledge or extended nub to facilitate humanthumb/finger gripping of the lower part of the rear vertical plate.These thumb/finger contact enhancing features are not essential to theuse of this medical/dental suction nozzle holster device, but they arevery practical optional features. This follows from the fact that theholster device is often mounted to a side rail (and dismounted from sucha rail) by hands residing in wet surgical gloves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical/dental suction nozzle holsterdevice of this patent disclosure mounted to a rail (e.g., the side railof an operating table).

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a holster having a notch that isbeing used to pinch a suction hose leading to a suction tube residing inthe holster.

FIG. 2A is a cross section view taken along section lines 2A-2A of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a holster having a notch that isbeing used to pinch a suction hose leading to a suction tube that ishanging outside of the holster.

FIG. 3A is a cross section view taken along section lines 3A-3A of FIG.3.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a holster having a notch that is about toreceive a portion of a suction hose.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a holster having a notch into which a suctionhose has been forced downward and thereby constricting the hose.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a holster component of the device.

FIG. 7 is another rear perspective view of the holster component as wellas the channel mounting component.

FIG. 8 is yet another rear perspective view showing the holstercomponent and channel component being mechanically coupled to create oneof the three possible operating positions of the holster.

FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away view of the medical/dental suction nozzleholster device holding a Yankauer suction tube at a leftward tiltingangle θ₂(H).

FIG. 10 is a partially cut-away view of the medical/dental suctionnozzle holster device mounted in a substantially vertical orientation.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the holster device holding a Yankauer suctiontube in the leftward tilting angle θ₂(H) depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the channel mounting component in its normaloperating configuration.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the channel mounting component whose lowerhorizontal ledge is bent downward to facilitate mounting this componentto a rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a medical/dental suction nozzle holster device 10 madeand assembled according to certain teachings of this patent disclosure.This holster device 10 has a holster component 12 that generally definesan inwardly and downwardly constricted holster cavity 14 for receiving afront end of a suction nozzle e.g., a medical suction nozzle of theYankauer type (not shown). The top lip 12A of the holster component 12is shown in FIG. 1 as having a generally elliptical configuration. Thelong diameter 12B of such an elliptical configuration will preferably befrom about 3 to about 6 inches (and more preferably from about 4-5inches). The short diameter 12C of the elliptical configuration willpreferably be from about 1.5 to about 3 inches (and more preferably fromabout 1.5 to about 2.0 inches). The holster component 12 will have adepth 12D that will preferably range from about 5.0 to about 13 inches(and more preferably from about 9.0 to about 11.0 inches). The body ofthe holster component 12 is shown generally tapering downwardly andinwardly to a closed, elliptically shaped, closed bottom 12E. The longdiameter of this elliptically shaped, closed bottom 12E will be fromabout 1.0 to about 2.0 inches (and preferably from about 1.25 to about1.75 inches) while its short diameter will be from about 0.5 to about1.0 inches (and preferably from about 0.75 to about 1.0 inches). The toplip 12A and/or the closed bottom 12E could have other geometricconfigurations (e.g., circular, rectangular, square, etc.), butapplicant has found that elliptical configurations such as that depictedin FIG. 1 are preferred in that they generally facilitate more accuratehuman hand placement of suction nozzles in such a holster cavity 14during the course of medical/dental procedures.

The top lip 12A of the holster 12 is shown provided with two separateand distinct notches 12G and 12H. These notches are shown having agenerally Y-shaped configuration (a V-shaped notch also may beemployed). In either case, the depth 12I of notch 12G (as well as thedepth of notch 12H) will generally be less than one quarter of the depth12D of the holster. For example, depth 12I will generally be from about1.0 to 3.0 inches. The width 12J of the top of the notch will generallybe from about 0.5 to about 2.0 inches.

FIG. 1 also illustrates an embodiment of this invention wherein theholster component 12 further comprises a holster mounting mechanism 16affixed to the rear side 12F of the holster component 12. This holstermounting mechanism 16 can be fixedly, but detachably, attached to amounting channel 18 that, in turn, is slidably attached to a rail 20.FIG. 1 shows the mounting channel 18 partially encompassing such a rail20 (e.g., a rail of the type commonly found on the sides of operatingroom tables). Such rails often have certain standardized cross sections20A. For example, many rails commonly found on operating room tables arerectangular in nature and have a height 20B of about 1.25 inches and awidth 20C of about 0.3125 inches. Other rail dimensions and crosssection geometries (e.g., circular. square, etc.) are of course alsopossible. FIG. 1 also depicts a gap distance 21B between the top surface18A of the mounting channel 18 and a top surface 16A of the holstermounting component 16. The cause and significance of this gap distance21B will be discussed in ensuing discussions of FIGS. 7, 8 and 10.

FIG. 2 depicts a suction tube 13 residing in a holster cavity 14. Thetop or handle end of the suction tube 13 is shown attached to a flexibleand compressible hose 15 of the type commonly used in conjunction withmedical/dental suction tubes. Such hoses are connected to a suctiondevice (not shown) that serves to create partial vacuum conditions atthe lower end of the suction device and thereby serve to suck fluidsfrom a patient's mouth, throat, stomach, etc. Such suction devices arecommonly located away (e.g., 5-10 feet) from the patient.

In this view the rim 12A of the holster is shown provided with a single,Y-shaped, notch 12G. Again, a V-shaped constriction can also be employedto constrict a suction hose. A portion of the hose 15 is shown pusheddownward into the lower regions of such a notch 15. This action servesto create a constricted region 15A in the hose and thereby curtailing,shutting off, etc. the vacuum conditions in the hose—and hence in thesuction tube serviced by that hose. By way of example only, thisparticular holster is shown attached to a rail 20 by means of a C-clamp17 such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,110 B1.

FIG. 2A is a cross section view of section 2A-2A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative method of use of this invention wherein aholster 12 having a single Y-shaped notch 12G is shown pinching a hose15. A suction tube 13 is shown hanging from the hose 15. By way of afurther example, this holster 12 is shown attached to a rail 20 by meansof so-called alligator clamps 17A.

FIG. 3A is a cross section view of section 3A-3A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a holster 12 having a top rim 12A. Thisholster is shown provided with two notches 12G and 12H. Notch 12H isshown about to receive a suction hose 15. The hose 15 has an outsidesurface 15A and an inside surface 15B. In FIG. 4, the hose is just aboutto enter the notch 12H and therefore has not yet been constricted by thelower, more narrow portions, of said Y-shaped notch.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a holster 12 having a top rim 12A. Ineffect, this holster is the same as the hoister 12 shown in FIG. 4. Inthis FIG. 5, however, the hose 15 is shown as having been forceddownward into the lower regions of the notch 12H. This has caused theoutside surface 15A and the inside surface 15B of the hose to beconstricted to such an extent that the opposing inside surfaces 15B ofthe hose are forced into contact with each other and thereby curtailingor completely shutting off the vacuum conditions in the hose that lie tothe left of the notch 12H. The ability to easily curtail, partially shutoff, totally shut the vacuum conditions in the hose—and hence thesuction tube—provide the previously noted benefits to the medicalpractitioner.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of the holster component shown inFIG. 1. Again, the rear side 12F of said holster component 12 has aholster mounting mechanism 16. This mechanism 16 is in the form of arear plate 22 that is separated from the rear side 12F of the holstercomponent 12 by three separation ribs, i.e., a right separation rib 24(“right”—as viewed from the front of the holster e.g., as seen in FIG.1), a center separation rib 26 and a left separate rib 28. The rightseparation rib 24 is shown provided with a groove 24A that runs from thetop 24B of said right separation rib 24 to its bottom. Similarly, theleft separation rib 28 has a similar groove 28A that runs from the top28B to the bottom 28C of said rib 28. The rear plate 22 of the holstermounting component 16 also is shown provided with a keyway slot 22A thatextends from the top 16A of the rear plate 22 to its bottom 16B. Theinner regions of this keyway slot 22A lead into a nub receiver opening30 and thereby defining a keyway slot/nub receiver opening system (thecombined 22A/30 opening system). It might also be noted that the rearsurface of the nub receiver body 30' is reinforced by the centerseparation rib 26.

FIG. 7 is another rear perspective view of the holster device 10. Hereagain the rear side 12F of the holster component 12 is shown providedwith the holster mounting mechanism 16. This view also shows that theholster mounting mechanism 16 is further provided with a rear plate 22and that this plate also contains a keyway slot 22A that leads into thenub receiver opening 30 and thereby defining the combined 22A/30 openingsystem. In a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention, theholster body 12, its holster mounting mechanism 16 as well as theseparation ribs 24, 26 and 28 are all unitary in nature owing theirbeing so formed by injection molding of a unitary holster body/mountingmechanism/rib system by a plastic molding operation.

The mounting channel 18 is also shown in perspective in FIG. 7. Thismounting channel 18 has a front vertical plate 32, an upper horizontalledge 34 and an upper rear vertical plate 36 that are so adapted andarranged that they form a top channel opening 38. This top channelopening 38 will have an inside width 40 large enough to accommodate thewidth of a mounting rail such as that depicted as item 20C in FIG. 1.The rear side of the front vertical plate 32 of the holster mountingchannel 18 is shown attached to one end of a lower horizontal ledge 44.The other end of the horizontal ledge 44 is connected to a rear verticalplate 46. This horizontal ledge 44 also serves as a base component of abottom mounting channel (see item 41 of FIGS. 12 and 13). A top portion48 of the rear vertical plate 46 resides above the lower horizontalledge 44 and a bottom portion 50 of said rear vertical plate 46 residesbelow the lower horizontal ledge 44. The top portion 48 forms a side ofthe bottom mounting channel. The bottom portion 50 of the rear verticalplate 46 serves as a lever arm useful in bending the top portion 48downward to facilitate attachment of the mounting channel 18 to a rail(e.g., rail 20 of FIG. 1). In effect a lower channel region 52 istemporarily taken out of its channel forming configuration. And hereagain, the various subparts of the mounting channel 18 are preferablyunitary in nature owing to their being simultaneously formed by aninjection molding process.

As will be better illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the distance betweenthe underside 39 of the upper horizontal ledge 34 and the top surface ofthe lower horizontal ledge 44 should be sufficient to accommodate theheight of a rail such as that depicted by item 20B in FIG. 1. Similarly,the inside width 40 of the upper channel 38 should be sufficient toaccommodate the width of a rail such as the width depicted as item 20Cin FIG. 1. FIGS. 12 and 13 also will better illustrate how the topportion 48 of the rear vertical plate 46 can be temporarily bentdownward when a substantially horizontally directed human thumb/fingerpressure (as suggested by item P of FIG. 8) is applied to the bottomportion 50 of the rear vertical plate 46, This bottom portion 50 of therear vertical plate is optionally provided with a roughened surface 54to facilitate such a pressing action. Such a temporary lowering of thetop portion 48 of the vertical plate 18 will facilitate placement of themounting channel 18 around the lower portions of a mounting rail (again,see FIG. 13). This bending action will be facilitated by the fact thatthe mounting channel 18 also is a unitary piece of suitably elastic,plastic material made by a plastic molding operation.

Next, it should be noted that the face side 43 of the vertical plate 32is shown provided with a right side key plate 56 (again, as seen fromthe front of the holster, as in FIG. 1), a center key plate 58 and aleft side key plate 60. These key plates 56, 58 and 60 respectivelyterminate in substantially circularly configured key plate nubs 56′, 58′and 60′. Each of these nubs 56′, 58′ and 60′ are capable of being fitinto and residing in the nub receiver opening 30 located in the centerof the rear plate 22 of the holder mounting mechanism 16. It also shouldbe noted that the right key plate 56 slopes downward and inward (i.e.,toward the center key plate 58) at an angle θ₁, the center key plate 58is substantially vertical and the left key plate 60 slopes downward andinward toward the center key plate at an angle θ₂. These angles θ₁ andθ₂ can be the same angle or different angles. Preferably, both θ₁ and θ₂will be from about 45° to about 65° with respect to horizontal. Aparticularly preferred arrangement is one in which θ₁ equals θ₂ andthese angles are each about 60° with respect to horizontal.

FIG. 8 depicts one of the three separate and distinct ways in which theholster component 12 can be combined with the holster mounting channel18 in order to securely place the holster component 12 in one of itsthree possible mounting angles (θ₂, vertical or θ₁). In this view, theleft nub 60' and its associated left key plate 60 are shown respectivelyentering the bottom of the nub receiver opening 30 and key slot 22A inthe rear plate 22 of the holster mounting mechanism 16. As the holstercomponent 12 is lowered downward, the left nub 60′ and its associatedleft key plate 60 move higher and higher in the keyway slot 22A/nubreceiver opening 30 system. Eventually an inside region 58A of the nub58′ of the center key plate 58 collides with a contact region 24CR onthe outside surface 24C of the right separation rib 24. This collisionprevents the holster component 12 from going further downward andthereby securely holding said holster component 12 in its firstoperating position. Preferably this collision will also occur in thegroove 24A (see FIG. 6) of the right separation rib 24. This collisionof the contact region 24CR of the right separation rib 24 and the insideregion 58A of the nub 58′ of the key plate 58 will take place below thetop lip 16A of the rear plate 22 of the holster mounting component 16.Thus a gap 21B is depicted between the contact region and the top lip16A of the rear plate 22 to illustrate the stopping effect of this rightrib contact region 24CR/nub region 58A collision, Since the left nub60′/left key plate 60 system is in effect mounted at an angle θ₂ withrespect horizontal, the holster component 12 will be mounted at acomparable angle θ₂ (H) with respect to a horizontal rail such as therail 20 depicted in FIG. 1.

Placement of the center key plate 58 and its associated nub 58′ in thekey slot 22A/nub receiver 30 opening system will cause the resultingkey/opening system (and hence the holster component 12) to be in asubstantially vertical orientation such as that depicted in FIGS. 1 and10. This vertical orientation of the holster component 12 constitutesits second operating position. In this vertical orientation, an insideregion 56A of the right nub 56′ of the right key plate 56 collides withthe contact region 24CR of the right separation rib 24. Similarly, aninside region 60A of the nub 60′ will collide with a contact region 28CRof the left separation rib 28. These two collisions also create a gap21B between the top lip 16A of the rear plate 22 of the hoister mountingcomponent 16 and the top surface 18A of the mounting channel 18 (seealso gap 21B of FIG. 1). In effect this gap 21B indicates that theholster component 12 has been lowered on to the mounting channel 18 asfar down as it is intended to go. FIG. 8 designates the horizontallength of the mounting channel 18 as 18A. This length 18A will generallybe from about 3 inches to about 7 inches and preferably be about 4.0 to5.5 inches. The vertical height (from 18A to 18B) of the mountingchannel 18 will generally be from about 1.0 inches to about 1.5 inchesand preferably from about 1.0 inches to about 1.25 inches.

The third possible operating position of this holster device 10 isachieved when the right key plate 56 and its associate nub 56′ areinserted into the key slot 22A/nub receiver 30 opening system in therear plate 22 of the holster mounting channel 16. In this thirdoperating position, a contact region 58B of the nub 58′ of the centerkey plate 58 will collide with a contact region 28CR of the leftseparation rib 28. This arrangement will cause the holster to beoriented at an angle comparable to angle θ₁ of the right key plate 56.This orientation is, in effect, the opposite orientation to thatillustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, these three possible operating positionsprovide medical/dental practitioners with three distinct and wellsecured holster positions. Moreover, these three well secured holsterpositions can be readily changed from one operating position to anotherwithout the need for hand tools or tightening knobs of the type found inthe prior art.

FIG. 9 depicts the holster component 12, in a partial cut-away view, inits first operating position, i.e., mounted at an angle θ₂ (H) as aresult of the holster's key slot 22A/nub opening 30 system being lowereddownward on to the left key plate 60/nub 60′ system. FIG. 9 also depictsa typical suction tube 62 and its suction hose coupling device 64. Thebottom 62′ of the suction tube 62 may or may not come into contact withthe holster bottom.

FIG. 10 shows the holster component 12 in its second or verticaloperating position. The results from the fact that the center key plate58/nub 58′ system now resides in the key slot 22A/nub receiver 30system.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the holster component 12 mounted on themounting channel 18. In this top view the left nub 60′ is shownoccupying the nub receiver opening 30 located on the rear plate 22 ofthe holster mounting component 16. The center nub 58′ is shown incolliding contact with the groove 24A of the right separation rib 24.

FIG. 12 is a side view of mounting channel 18. In this view the lowerhorizontal ledge 44 is in its normal (i.e., unbent) operating position(i.e., mounted to a rail—not shown). FIG. 12 also shows the outsidesurface of the low part 50 of the rear vertical plate 46 provided with arough surface 54 and a bottom nub 56.

FIG. 13 depicts the lower horizontal ledge 44 bent downward at an angleT. This bending action can be created by a pressure P delivered by ahuman thumb and/or finger(s) (not shown). This allows the tip 48′ of thetop 48 of the rear plate 46 to pass under the lower, inside corner 20′of the rail 20. When the thumb/finger pressure is released, the lowerhorizontal ledge 44 returns to its original position (as shown in FIG.12) and thereby holding the mounting channel 18 to the rail 20. Thisreturn is facilitated by the lower horizontal ledge 44 having an elasticquality and “memory” for its original shape.

Those skilled in this art will appreciate that many other features canbe employed in the practice of this invention; consequently thepreceding patent disclosure should be regarded as illustrating, but notlimiting, the scope of the following claims.

1. A medical/dental suction nozzle holster device having an upper rimthat is provided with at least one notch that descends downwardly into aholster component of said device in a manner such that it will constricta suction hose that is forced downward in said notch.
 2. Themedical/dental suction nozzle holster device of claim 1 wherein saidupper rim is provided with two notches.
 3. A medical/dental suctionnozzle holster device comprising: a holster component having an upperrim that is provided with at least one notch that descends downwardlyinto the holster component and wherein said holster component isattached to a holster mounting mechanism that further comprises a keywayslot/nub receiver opening system; a mounting channel component having(1) a front vertical plate having a face side and a rear side, (2) arear vertical plate, (3) a horizontal ledge that interconnects the frontvertical plate and the rear vertical plate and serves as a base of abottom mounting channel region of the mounting channel component, (4) atop mounting channel region of the mounting channel component adaptedand arranged to receive and hold an upper portion of a rail to which themounting channel component is attached, (5) a bottom mounting channelregion for receiving and holding a lower portion of the rail to whichthe mounting channel component is attached, (6) a right key plate/keynub system mounted at an angle on the face side of the front verticalplate such that a bottom part of said right key plate/key nub system isangled inward and downward toward a center key plate/key nub system, (7)a center key plate/key nub system that is vertically mounted on the faceside of the front vertical plate, and (8) a left key plate/key nubsystem mounted at an angle on the face side of the front vertical platesuch that a bottom part of said left key plate/key nub system is angledinward and downward toward the center key plate/key nub system.
 4. Themedical/dental suction nozzle holster of claim 3 wherein the right keyplate/key nub system and the left key plate/key nub system arerespectively mounted at an angle from about 45° to about 65° withrespect to horizontal.
 5. The medical/dental suction nozzle holster ofclaim 3 wherein the right key plate/key nub system and the left keyplate/key nub system are respectively mounted at an equal angle withrespect to horizontal.
 6. The medical/dental suction nozzle holsterdevice of claim 3 wherein the holster component is unitary in natureowing to its being made by injection molding of a unitaryholster/mounting mechanism system.
 7. The medical/dental suction nozzleholster device of claim 3 wherein the mounting channel component isunitary in nature owing to its being made by injection molding of aunitary front vertical plate, horizontal ledge and rear vertical platestructure.
 8. The medical/dental suction nozzle device of claim 3wherein the holster mechanism further comprises a left rib, a center riband a right rib and wherein the left rib and right rib are respectivelyprovided with a groove for receiving a nub region in colliding contact.9. A medical/dental suction nozzle holster device comprising: a holstercomponent having an upper rim that is provided with at least one notchthat descends downwardly into the holster component and wherein saidholster component is attached to a holster mounting mechanism thatfurther comprises a keyway slot/nub receiver opening system; a mountingchannel component having (1) a front vertical plate having a face sideand a rear side, (2) a rear vertical plate, (3) a horizontal ledge thatinterconnects the front vertical plate and the rear vertical plate andserves as a base of a bottom mounting channel region of the mountingchannel component, (4) a top mounting channel region of the mountingchannel component adapted and arranged to receive and hold an upperportion of a rail to which the mounting channel is attached, (5) abottom mounting channel for receiving and holding a lower portion of therail to which the mounting channel component is attached, (6) a rightkey plate/key nub system mounted at an angle on the face side of thefront vertical plate such that a bottom part of said right key plate/keynub system is angled inward and downward toward a center key plate/keynub system, (7) a center key plate/key nub system that is verticallymounted on the face side of the front vertical plate, (8) a left keyplate/key nub system mounted at an angle on the face side of the frontvertical plate such that a bottom part of said left key plate/key nubsystem is angled inward and downward toward the center key plate/key nubsystem, and (9) a finger/thumb contact device on a lower portion of therear vertical plate.
 10. The medical/dental suction nozzle holster ofclaim 9 wherein the right key plate/key nub system and the left keyplate/key nub system are respectively mounted at an angle from about 45°to about 65° with respect to horizontal.
 11. The medical/dental suctionnozzle holster of claim 9 wherein the right key plate/key nub system andthe left key plate/key nub system are respectively mounted at an angleof about 60° with respect to horizontal.
 12. The medical/dental suctionnozzle holster device of claim 9 wherein the holster component isunitary in nature owing to its being made by injection molding of aunitary holster/mounting mechanism system.
 13. The medical/dentalsuction nozzle holster device of claim 9 wherein the mounting channelcomponent is unitary in nature owing to its being made by injectionmolding of a unitary front vertical plate, horizontal ledge and rearvertical plate device structure.
 14. The medical/dental suction nozzledevice of claim 9 wherein the holster mounting mechanism furthercomprises a left rib, a center rib and a right rib and wherein the leftrib and the right rib are respectively provided with a groove forreceiving a nub region in colliding contact.
 15. A medical/dentalsuction nozzle holster device comprising: an inwardly and downwardlyconstricted holster component having an elliptically configured topopening having an upper rim that is provided with at least one Y-shapednotch that descends downwardly into the holster component, anelliptically configured closed bottom and a holster mounting mechanismthat further comprises a plate that has a left, a center and a rightseparation rib that attach said plate to a rear portion of the holstercomponent and wherein said plate contains a keyway slot/nub receiveropening system; a mounting channel component having (1) a front verticalplate having a face side and a rear side, (2) a rear vertical plate, (3)a horizontal ledge that interconnects the front vertical plate and therear vertical plate and serves as a base of a bottom mounting channelregion of the mounting channel component, (4) a top mounting channelregion of the mounting channel component adapted and arranged to receiveand hold an upper portion of a rail to which the mounting channel isattached, (5) a bottom mounting channel for receiving and holding alower portion of the rail to which the mounting channel component isattached, (6) a right key plate/key nub system mounted at an angle onthe face side of the front vertical plate such that a bottom part ofsaid right key plate/key nub system is angled inward and downward towarda center key plate/key nub system, (7) a center key plate/key nub systemthat is vertically mounted on the face side of the front vertical plate,(8) a left key plate/key nub system mounted at an angle on the face sideof the front vertical plate such that a bottom part of said left keyplate/key nub system is angled inward toward the center key plate/keynub system, and (9) a finger/thumb contact device in the form of aoutwardly projecting nub on a bottom region of the rear vertical plate.16. The medical/dental suction nozzle holster of claim 15 wherein theright key plate/key nub system and the left key plate/key nub system arerespectively mounted at an angle from about 45° to about 65° withrespect to horizontal.
 17. The medical/dental suction nozzle holster ofclaim 15 wherein the right key plate/key nub system and the left keyplate/key nub system are respectively mounted at an angle of about 60°with respect to horizontal.
 18. The medical/dental suction nozzleholster device of claim 15 wherein the holster component is unitary innature owing to its being made by injection molding of a unitaryholster/mounting mechanism system.
 19. The medical/dental suction nozzleholster device of claim 15 wherein the mounting channel component isunitary in nature owing to its being made by injection molding of aunitary front vertical plate, horizontal ledge and rear vertical platestructure.
 20. The medical/dental suction nozzle device of claim 15wherein the holster mounting mechanism further comprises a left rib, acenter rib and a right rib and wherein the left rib and the right ribare respectively provided with a groove for receiving a nub region incolliding contact.